As militant Islam does its level best to discredit the religion, it's important to remember that there are other voices within the faith. One such is the Sufis, a branch of Islamic mystics who live islam [submission], iman [faith] and ishan [awareness of G-d, "to act beautifully"]. Every Saturday, therefore, we spend some time with the Sufis and their 'crazy wisdom'. This week's selection from Wes Nisker's Crazy Wisdom seemed particularly appropriate for a whole bunch of reasons:
"Being a Sufi is to put away what is in your head - imagined truth, preconceptions, conditioning - and to face what may happen to you." -- Abu SaidAs usual, you're encouraged to use the Comments feature to share a relevant experience, add some background, or give us your thoughts on what the speaker is trying to tell us.
One of my greatest discoveries after moving to Hawaii from New York a year ago was that of Sufi circle/prayer dancing, Zikr. What does Sufism have to do with Hawaii, you ask. Why not hula?
Well, it goes like that. That's how it goes. Anyway, I lose myself in Zikr sometimes. There is the music, the movement, the press of a stranger's hand in mine as we sing the names of God. Many are Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, a few Muslims, a mixed bag. But we let go of preconceptions about what name God is supposed to be called. For a couple of hours we agree on a working "title" for God, and sing "Allah" and all the attributes, mercy, beauty, compassion, etc., that all people have ascribed to God thoughout the millenia. And when it all falls away so that only the song in our hearts remains, there is only one of us, moving, sounding, loving, peacefully - from behind all the unexpected faces of God.
When is the next Sufi circle dancing here in Honolulu.
James, I heard from someone who has gone to Sufi dancing for years that the first Saturday of month(tonite 5/6/06) at 7 or 7:30pm in Niu Valley holds sufi dances.
I've never gone , & never heard of it yet I'm watching National Geo channel now & it's talking bout "Is it Real?" with some myth busters exposing different " god men" and even Sufi "masters" who pierce themselves without pain. What a coincidence!
i PLAN TO GO TONITE; I'm trying to search for more info on location; call me if you like....I'm listed in phone book in Salt Lake... would not take hotmail address when posting
take care & maybe see you....